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For Union, quick fix not needed

KANSAS CITY - The pressure to get an impact player is off, but the desire to bring in the perfect player remains.

Peter Nowak and the Union hold the 13th, 32nd and 35th picks in the MLS SuperDraft. (Ted S. Warren/AP file photo)
Peter Nowak and the Union hold the 13th, 32nd and 35th picks in the MLS SuperDraft. (Ted S. Warren/AP file photo)Read more

KANSAS CITY - The pressure to get an impact player is off, but the desire to bring in the perfect player remains.

Union assistant John Hackworth offered as much last night during a media teleconference from the team's hotel, a stone's throw from the Kansas City Convention Center, site of today's MLS SuperDraft.

As of late last night, the Union still held the 13th, 32nd and 35th picks.

With a crowded pool of midfielders, given the Union's offseason acquisitions, the team appears likely to go after a player to strengthen its back line or beef up its attack. But according to Hackworth, unlike years past, when the team tried to bring in potential game-changers, the club can focus in the upcoming season on developing its draftees long-term.

"I think the work is exactly the same, but I think [the offseason acquisitions] take away the importance of bringing in a player we feel has to come in an make an impact right away," Hackworth said. "We are honestly looking for that all-around player."

An all-around player could come in the form of a couple of Generation adidas prospects. Among the names floated has been English forward Dom Dwyer, out of the University of South Florida. Hackworth was a head coach there and undoubtedly has inside knowledge of Dwyer's potential.

Also, Lucky Mkosana, of Dartmouth, has been mentioned. Mkosana is thought to be a good fit, given his abilities as a target forward and his surprising strength while on the ball, even at 170 pounds.